Choose a Language

India’s Ministry of Environment and Forests Bans Dolphinariums

HSI/India applauds progressive move protecting marine animals

Humane Society International/India

Holding them for captive display is inhumane. Dmitriy Filippov/istock

In the strongest stance yet opposing the development of dolphinariums in India, the federal Ministry of Environment and Forests has issued a ban, which says “State Governments are advised to reject any such proposal” that comes forward. Humane Society International/India applauds the Ministry’s action and encourages states to adhere to the policy.

C. Samyukta, wildlife campaign manager for HSI/India said: “We are overjoyed that the Ministry has enacted a ban on keeping dolphins in captivity for entertainment. The science shows captivity is not in the best interests of whales and dolphins. Now, all states in India must follow the Ministry’s policy and forbid the development of dolphinariums.”

For the past several years, HSI/India has worked with FIAPO, CPR Environmental Education Centre, Blue Cross of India, Whale and Dolphin Conservation, Earth Island Institute and others to bring about this important change in India’s policies.

There is widespread opposition to dolphinariums in India from animal-protection groups, and also the Animal Welfare Board of India and other federal government groups, such as The Central Zoo Authority. In January, the AWBI issued a directive deeming dolphinariums unlawful under the country’s 1960 Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. Most recently, the fisheries department in Punjab ordered all offices in the state to comply with the AWBI directive.

--30--

Media contact: C. Samyukta, (m) +91 90008 46677, csamyukta@hsi.org

Humane Society International/India and its partner organisations together constitute one of the world's largest animal protection organisations. For more than 20 years, HSI has been working for the protection of all animals through the use of science, advocacy, education and hands-on programmes. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty worldwide — on the Web at hsi.org.

Help Animals

For information, questions or to donate: From North America, call 866-614-4371. From elsewhere, please use this form.

Contributions to Humane Society International are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law in your country. HSI's tax identification number is 52-1769464. Donations made from the UK: HSI UK is registered in England and Wales as charity number 1098925, company number 4610194. Donations made from the Netherlands: HSI UK is regarded as an ANBI Charity under Dutch Fiscal Number 8241.63.072. Donations made in Canada: donations to HSI Canada are not tax-deductible. Non-profit organizations in Canada that lobby to change government policy are generally denied charitable status.